Selling a property after a bereavement involves personal decisions as well as legal authority and administration. Establish who is entitled to act before instructing a sale or disposing of belongings. A solicitor or appropriate estate-administration adviser can explain the process for the relevant UK nation and circumstances.
Keep decisions organised
- Separate estate documents, property records and household possessions.
- Record who has authority to instruct agents and professionals.
- Check insurance, security and ongoing bills while the property is unoccupied.
- Keep an inventory and consult the people whose agreement is required.
Do not rush sentimental items solely to prepare photographs or clear a room. Agree a manageable sorting process and a secure place for important documents and valuables. Keep estate expenses and personal spending clearly distinguished in the records.
Use official information such as GOV.UK probate guidance for its stated applicability and relevant Scottish or Northern Ireland guidance. A moving planner can organise tasks and quotes, but cannot establish authority to sell or decide how estate funds should be distributed.
Put it into practice
Use the move, sell or donate decision helper to organise your own figures or next steps. Keep its assumptions alongside your plan.